Plastheniker Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 Hi, today kit manufacturers treat modelers with a particular interest in 1/24 and 1/25 European pre-war cars as an orphan. ICM's Opel Admiral is the only corresponding new release of the last years that I remember. Admittedly this is a very nice kit, but I doubt that modelers missed just an Opel kit most. Finally there is no other choice than adhering to the well-known and often obsolete kits from the sixties, seventies and eighties - unless you are lucky to find an inexpensive diecast that can be converted into a model that meets the standards of today's kit modeling. One of those numberless iconic European pre-war cars that have never been (and most probably will never be) kitted is Alfa Romeo's 8C 2900. Alfa Romeo made only the chassis with drivetrain and running gear derived from their 1935 8C 35 Grand Prix (!) racer, and Italy's most renowned coachbuilders, mostly Touring, supplied various ravishing bodies for it. Some years ago I found an inexpensive diecast replicating an 8C 2900B with Berlinetta coachwork by Touring. There are several very similar surviving 1:1 Touring cars, the best-known is displayed at the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo. This diecast was made by Leo Models of Italy and seems to be OOP by this time. Considering its low price (appr. € 20.00 ≈ $ 24.00) it offered a pretty good value for money, much better f. e. than the poor Bburago models: 1937 Bugatti Atlantic 57 S - Mother of all Sports Cars? http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=80287 Most important all proportions were perfect and after stripping the paintwork the casting quality was not bad. Moreover as far as plastic was used all plastic parts were workable (probably ABS, opposite to the strange tough Bburago plastic). Nevertheless there was a lot of work to do. I still remember some of the major issues: As most inexpensive diecast models this one featured opening bonnet, doors and bootlid with visible huge cast hinges, varying gaps and unsatisfactory fit. Maybe the model's rather unattractive black paintwork was intended to make these shortcomings less conspicuous The interior, particularly the dashboard, was extremely simplified All glass parts if at all provided were unusable The cast frames around the lateral windows were completely out of scale The plastic wire wheels were extremely crude Conspicuously there were only incomplete or even (I am not sure) no wheel wells at all The characteristic ventilation slots around the radiator grille were missing The 1:1 Berlinetta Touring coachwork (this one is the museum car) looks like this: The reworked model is still one of my favourite car models: 4 Quote
peekay Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 A beautiful replica of a beautiful automobile. Incredible conversion and world class workmanship as always. Quote
#1 model citizen Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 You do fine, excellent work. Wished I had your talent. Quote
bbowser Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 Just amazing, well done. What scale is this? The dashboard detail is incredible. Quote
Foxer Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 A beautiful replica of a beautiful automobile. Incredible conversion and world class workmanship as always.YES! Quote
Dodge Driver Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 Truly a beautiful creation. Beyond exceptional. Quote
Ace-Garageguy Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 A beautiful replica of a beautiful automobile. Incredible conversion and world class workmanship as always.Absolutely. Stunning. Quote
Lovefordgalaxie Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 You did a great job with what you had to start with. Awesome craftsmanship. The car itself is not what I would spend cash buying. The cars that make my heart to beat faster all have the blue oval, but for sure I can admire your hard work on this. Before it looked like a toy, now, it will put to shame a Dambury Mint. Quote
iBorg Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 I keep looking at diecast and think I'm missing something Quote
Codi Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 Thanks Jurgen for sharing your model. I wasn't familiar with this particular model but without a doubt, it's a beauty. cheers, tim Quote
Plastheniker Posted October 13, 2017 Author Posted October 13, 2017 Thanks for the comments! Just amazing, well done. What scale is this? The dashboard detail is incredible.For decades I adhere to the same scales actually without any exceptions, i. e. road cars and trucks 1/24 & 1/25racing cars 1/20 (very few 1/24), so this one is also 1/24 scale. Quote
PARTSMARTY Posted October 14, 2017 Posted October 14, 2017 An absolutely amazing build-perfect !!! Quote
sjordan2 Posted October 14, 2017 Posted October 14, 2017 Spectacular in every detail. I have a Franklin Mint cabriolet die cast that's very nice, but nothing close to what you've done. Quote
Gramps46 Posted October 15, 2017 Posted October 15, 2017 Impressive. The Leo Models offered some really great Alfa Romeo subjects in subscription series. While I agree with you the older BBuragos left a lot to be desired the newer releases have improved significantly and they are starting to release the Le Grandi Ferrari Collection under their own labels. Quote
PatW Posted October 15, 2017 Posted October 15, 2017 Amazing build, well done. Amazing Italian styling and performance! Superb real sportscar. Quote
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